Non-traditional engagements are, to say the least, pretty awesome. Why be boring, take a knee, and propose to your love in some stupid restaurant? Pft, lame.

Far better is a recent proposal between two gamers (and, full disclosure, great friends of mine) in City of Heroes (the whole episode has been conveniently put into comic book form by the fiance himself, if you scroll down).

Lead designer at Paragon Studios, Melissa “War Witch” Bianco, who made the in-game proposal happen, had perfect reaction to the idea: “I thought, ‘Wow, that is freaking COOL!'”

“I’ve been working on City of Heroes for many years and there have been some really neat moments during our players and this just reminds me how wonderful it is to see how our game plays into people’s lives. It just made me smile and be a part of it,” Bianco said.

The proposal itself was turned into a ‘mini-event’ for the lucky guy (Alexander “Strongwall”) and gal (Maria “Gaia Stormsoul”). Bianco said that, regardless of the work that went into it, the reward was worth it.

“There were some minor ‘scheduling’ things that had to be accounted for, knowing what the plan was, where to meet, what to say, and to make sure we were all on the same page. We had a few people participating so you want to make sure that we all know what the other person is doing and when. But the work vs. reward was very much worth it. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event so you want to make sure you’re representing!”

“We always love it when we get these requests!” Cleaver asid. “One of the most amazing parts of CoH is the community, and when one member plans to ‘pop the question’ to another member it’s always a joyous occasion. We were definitely happy to assist in any way we could to make it as special as possible.”

The idea, which involved an invasion of the city and a ridiculously huge monster in CoH’s Atlas Park, actually came from the game’s Brand Manager.

“I give that kind of credit to Black Pebble, believe it or not,” Bianco said. “It was his idea to go crazy with the invasion. He and [Cleaver] wanted to know what my availability was for the ‘announcement’ and I obviously made time for this since it was so unique and interesting. But there were a few iterations within the interested parties so we could make it pretty seamless. But again, TheOcho and Black Pebble were instrumental in this. They are amazing.”

As it happens, the entire CoH playerbase got into the proposal as well. There were no disruptions and, more importantly, no jerks.

“I wondered if one or two people might take a really special moment and trivialize it, but that didn’t happen at all. People got into the spirit of it really quickly and were wonderfully supportive and respectful. Again, another reason why I love our players,” said Bianco.

As for whether or not the fine folks at Paragon would propose in a game themselves?

“Well, since I’m already married, I think I’d get in trouble. But considering I met my husband in an online game, it wouldn’t be so far off from crazy town. I would hope he’d propose to me, though. I’m the girl in this scenario, after all,” said Bianco.

Cleaver said that with the right person, it can work. “Since proposing is such a personal issue, if City of Heroes was an important part of the relationship I shared with my significant other I think it could be a really fun way that she would never expect. Nine times out of ten I think as long as they say yes that’s the most important thing. I think my fiancé might get a little mad if I asked anyone else to marry me, though!” he said.